Street sweeper and driving system therefor



April 1, 1941. 2.236.814

STREET SWEEPER AND DRIVING SYSTEM THEREFOR R. c. EVANS Filed may 12, 193s '7 Sheets-.Sheet 1 April l', 1941.

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April 1, 1941. R. c. EVANS 2,236,814

.' STREET SWEEPER AND DRIVING SYSTEM THEREFOR Filed May l2, 1938 '7 Sl'leetS--Shee'fI 3 iii iii

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AprI 1, 1941. R. c.'|:vANs. 2,236,814

STREET SWEEPER AND DRIVING SYSTEM THEREFOR Filed May 12, 1938 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 IEB April l, 1941. R, C, EVANS 2.236.814y

STREET SWE'PER AND DRIVING .SYSTEM THEREFOR V Filed May 12, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ill/l W 'f/ .uw l

April 1,1941. R. c. EVANS STREET SWEEPER AND DRIVING SYSTEM THEREFOR Filed May l2, 1938 '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Uilm i M Patented Apr. 1, 1941 STREET SWEEPER AND DRIVING SYSTEM THEREFOR Ronald Clement Evans, Elgin, Ill., assigner to Elgin Sweeper Company, Elgin, Ill., a. corporation of Illinois Appication May 12, 193s, serial No. 207,444 Y 2 Claims.

This invention relates to street sweeping apparatus and to the driving system thereof.

Many forms of street sweeping apparatus have been employed in the past for sweeping streets and other surfaces to be swept. The different forms of sweeping apparatus may be roughly classified as caterpillar brush sweepers, rotary brush sweepers, and combined rotary brush and conveyor sweepers. Caterpillar brush sweepers have not'met with the same degree of success as have the other two types of sweepers. There may be many explanations for this, but the principal one appears to lie in the fact ythat an efficient caterpillar brush and brush assembly together with satisfactory driving means and power system has not' as yet been designed which could be manufactured at a reasonable cost and be rugged and reliable in use.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel street sweeper and driving system therefor which is economical to manufacture, which is rugged and reliable in use, and which is extremely eicient in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel driving system for both the vehicle and the'movable sweeping elements thereof, a common prime mover being provided for the entire system.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel power transmission device and a novel method of operating same in a sweeper.

Another and further object of this invention is to provide a novel transmission system having two separate and independent power take-offs from a single driving means.

Another and still further object of this invenvide a novel street sweeping apparatus, the essential component parts of which are assembled together in a minimum amount 'of space for maximum eiiiciency.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel street sweeping apparatus, the essential component parts of which are assembled on the vehicle for carrying the sweeping apparatus in such a manner as to distribute the weight thereof in a more effective manner than has hitherto been possible.

-1 Thenovel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth and described with particularity in the appended claims. My invention, however, both as to its organization, construction, and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a street sweeping apparatus embodying the principles and teachings of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the sweeping apparatus of Figure 1 with part of the apparatus broken away to show the transmission and steering mechanism;

Figure 3 is a rear elevational View of the sweeping apparatus ofy Figure 1 with a portion of the apparatus removed to show the power ltake-01T from the transmission; f

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 2 for the purpose of showing the caterpillar brush assembly, the debris storage hopper, and the transmission;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of the dual transmission system;

Figure 6 is an elevational view partly in crosssection of the transmission taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 7; K

Figure 7 is a side elevational view partly in cross-section of the transmission taken along the line VII-VII of Figure 6; and

Figure is an elevational view of the dual wheel assembly which supports the rear of the vehicle on which the sweeping apparatus is mounted.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, the sweeping apparatus illustrated therein is a street sweeper of the caterpillar brush type. The sweeping elements of this apparatus, together with their associated elements are mounted on a motor driven vehicle I0, the principal component parts of the complete apparatus being the caterpillar brush assembly I I, side brooms I2, a dirt and debris storage hopper I3, and a chassis I4, having a rear mounted motor I5 mounted thereon. The chassis I4 includes a pair of front wheels I6 which are the driving wheels of the vehicle and which are mounted on a xed axle Il; and a pair of rear wheels I8 which are preferably mounted closely together on a pvotally mounted steering assembly I9 (the details of which are shown in Figure 8 of the drawings). Steering assembly I9 is connected through a suitable steering mechanism 20 to a steering wheel 2| disposed in a drivers compartment or cab 22.

To enhance the general appearance of the vehicle Ill and Vto protect the greater part of the sweeping apparatus from the elements, a body 23 is provided which forms a continuation of cab 22 and which may be given any shape which will further enhance the general appearance of the vehicle. In the upper forward wall of the body 23, a relatively large transverse opening is provided to permit access to the upper portion of the caterpillar brush assembly II. This transverse opening in the upper forward wall of body 23 is closed by a sliding cover 24 which is held in desired position by a pair of iiange members 25 welded or otherwise suitably secured to the top of body 23, the ilanges 25 being so arranged as to permit transverse sliding movement of the cover 24.

The dirt and debris collecting hopper I3 is situated at the extreme forward end Of the vehicle I8 and communicates directlyl with the upper portion of the brush assembly II. Hopper I3 is designed to receive dirt and debris carried upwardly thereto by the sweeping apparatus and to store the same until it is desired to empty the hopper I3. Lower end wall 26 of the dirt and debris collecting hopper I3 is pivotally mounted to the end of chassis I4 by a pair of hook shaped arms 21 which are pivotally secured to the hori- L;

connected iinally at its opposite end to a dump f lever 3 I. The dump lever 3l is pivotally mounted on the body 23 as at 32, its downward angular movement being limited by a suitable stop block 33 to the position shown in Figure 1. In this position the lever is in an over-center position which automatically locks the end wall 26 in its closed position. When dump lever 3l is moved upwardly and forwardly, the forward movement of the ilexible cable or chain 29 permits the end wall 26 to open by virtue of its own weight.

The caterpillar brush assembly II includes in general a caterpillar brush 34, and a caterpillar brush housing 35, comprising an upper stationary housing portion 36 and a lower movable housing portion 31 arranged for limited angular movement about a transverse axis. More specically, lower housing portion 31 is hinged to and supported by upper housing portion 36, as at 38. The rear wall 39 of the housing portion 31 is preferably given a segmental cylindrical curvature, and the lower end 48 of the top Wall of upper housing portion 36 is similarly curved but arranged to permit the lower housing member 31 to be telescoped thereover. The side walls of lower housing portion 31 overlap the side walls of upper housing portion 36, even when the former are in their lowermost position. This substantially complete telescopic engagement of the lower housing member 31 with the upper housing member 36 permits the former to be raised and lowered without any substantial interference from the latter.

In order to permit ready access to the caterpillar brush 34 to repair or replace a portion thereof, in a manner which will presently be explained, the rear wall 33 includes a pivotally mounted panel 4I which preferably extends over a major portion of the rear wall 39.

The caterpillar brush assembly also includes a pair of dirt shoes 42 carried on the lower housing portion 31 by arms 43, the latter being pivotally connected to the shoes 42 as well as to the housing portion 31. Dirt shoes 42 are in the form of runners which ride along the street surface, the forward and rear ends 44 and 45 being turned up for that purpose. These shoes prevent dirt and other debris from being thrown out of the side of the sweeping apparatus. A stop block 46 around each side of the housing portion 31 engages the arms 43 when the housing portion 31 is raised, and this carries the shoes 42 up with it.

In order to provide continuous and elcient sweeping irrespective of ripples and the like in the street surface, a floating mount 41 is provided for caterpillar brush 34. This floating mount has the effect of permitting the lower end of the caterpillar brush 34 to float on the surface being swept. More specifically, the caterpillar brush iioating mount 41 comprises a pair of tracks 48 and 49 which are mounted in parallel spaced relationship upon both sides of the lower housing portion 31. The tracks 48 and 49 may be provided by employing off-set ange members which are welded or otherwise suitably secured to the sides of housing portion 31. Portions of the housing wall between the complementary track members 48 and 49 are cut away as at 5I) and 5I to permit free movement of the caterpillar brush supporting means which extends therethrough. A caterpillar brush supporting plate 52, having small wheels or rollers 53 and 54 is disposed between each pair of complementary tracks 48 and 48, thewheels or rollers 53 and 54 being arranged to ride in tracks 48 and 49 respectively. It will thus be understood that the caterpillar brush supporting plate 52 is mounted for limited movement along a line parallel to the tracks 48 and 4S.

Secured to the lower portion of the supporting plate 52 are two bearings 55 and 56 which are adapted to receive and have journalled therein sprocket axles 51 and 58. Sprocket axles 51 and 58 each carry a pair of sprocket wheels 59 (see Figure 4), over which two endless articulated caterpillar brush chains 60 ride. At the upper end of the assembly, the two endless chains 60 ride on sprocket wheels 6I, which are similar to the sprocket wheels 59 and which are carried on a sprocket axle 62. Since the position of the 10W- er ends of the caterpillar brush 34 is dened by the position of the axles 51 and 58, it will readily be perceived that the position of the lower end of the caterpillar brush 34 depends upon the relative position of the brush supporting plate 52 in the complementary tracks 48 and 49.

Due to the relatively heavy weight of caterpillar brush 34, some means must be provided to partially relieve the weight of the brush and brush mechanism from the brush fibres. Such a means may be conveniently provided by counterbalancing the brush supporting plate 52. One means for providing such a counterbalance is shown in Figure 1, wherein counterweights 63 are provided on opposite sides of vehicle I 0 and are pivotally supported from the chassis I4 by means of counterweight arms 64, the counterweight arms being pivotally mounted on supporting brackets 65 at an intermediate point in length, as at 66. The counterweight arms 64 each have an overhanging portion 61 which pivotally carries the supporting link arm 68. The lower end of the link arm 68 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to the supporting plate 52 as at 69. As is clearly shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the lower end of each link arm is preferably provided with a series of holes so that the relative lengths of each link arm may be adjusted at the will of the operator of the machine. A position index may be provided by employing an index scale 1I) and a pointer 1I on the plate 52.

From the above description, it will be apparent that the greater part of the Weight of the caterpillar brush 34 is released from the brush fibres. The counterweights 63 are preferably adjusted on their arms 64 until the force tending to lift the caterpillar brush off of the street approaches but does not quite equal the weight which the brush bres of the brush 34 must support. In practice, it will be found that the position of the counterweights 63 should be adjusted depending upon the type and nature of the debris which is being swept. Thus, in the spring of the year, when there is a large amount of debris on the streets, the counterweight 51 will be adjusted so that a greater force is bearing down on the brush fibres than in the summer, when dust is the principal type of debris being swept up. This ilo-ating mount and counterbalancing arrangement thus provides an extremely ilexible arrangement for the sweeping apparatus, since it permits ready and convenient adjustment'of the apparatus depending upon the nature of the debris which is being swept. This tends to greatly prolong the average life of the brush bres.

Previous mention has been made of the fact that the lower housing portion 31 is pivotally mounted for limited angular movement on upper housing portion 36. Some means must, of course, be provided for limiting downward movement of the housing 31, and for raising and lowering the same at the will of the operator. The means for raising housing member 31 must include means for raising caterpillar brush 29 at the same time. Accordingly, a flexible cable or chain v12 is provided for dening the lowermost position of the housing 31, the Vchain 12 being connected at one end to the housing 31, as at 13, and at the other end to the chassis I4, as at 14,

Additional means is provided for raising and lowering the entire caterpillar brush assembly I I. More particularly, the caterpillar brush 34 and the caterpillar brush lower housing portion 31 may be raised or lowered by means of a ilexible chain 15, which branches oil" into two lower chain portions 16 and 11, which are connected to the caterpillar brush housing 31 and the caterpillar brush supporting plate respectively. The upper end of chain is connected to a crank arm 18 of a control lever 19, which is pivotally mounted on the chassis I4, as at 80. Control lever 19 is preferably equipped with the usual spring biased latch (not shown) under the control of control lever latch release 8l, the latch being arranged to engag a cooperating notched lat-ch plate 82 mounted on the side of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, when control lever 19 is in its forward position, the caterpillar brush assembly II is in its lowermost position, while when control lever 19 is in its rearwardmost position, the caterpillar brush 34 and the caterpillar brush housing 31 have been lifted by the chain 15 to a raised position.

A caterpillar brush tensioning device 83 isA provided to take up slack in the endless articulated chains 60 of the ycaterpillar brush assembly II and to provide the desired amount of tension therein. As will readily be appreciated from a cursory examination of Figure 4, the degree of tension in the endless chain 60 can be governed by varying the relative spacing of the upper sprocket axle 62 from the two lower sprocket axles 51 and 58. Thus, if some means is provided for varying the distance between the upper sprocket axle 62 and the two lower sprocket axles 51 and 58, it is apparent that an adjustable tensioning arrangement will be provided.

More specically, tensioning device 83 is provided by journalling the upper sprocket axle 62 in suitable bearings 84 carried on support plate 85, which are arranged to slide within complementary track members 86 and 81. These complementary track members 86 and 81 are secured to the side walls of upper housing 36 in parallel spaced relation to each other, but special note should be taken of the fact that the longitudinal axis of track members 86 and 81 are not in parallelism with the longitudinal axis of track members 48 and 49. While the angle of divergence of the longitudinal axis of the two separate tracks may vary within Wide limits without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the angle is illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings as being approximately 20, the lower ends of the track members being further apart from each other than their upper ends. Due to the fact that the longitudinal axis of the track members 86 and 81 is disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of track members 48 and 49, it will readily be appreciated that by raising and lowering these support plates 85, the tension in the endless chain 60 may be adjusted. This is by virtue of the fact that as the plate members 85 are lowered in their track members 86 and 81, the distance between the upper sprocket axle 62 and the two lower sprocket axles 51 and 58 is increased. The position of the support plate 85 in the tracks 86 and 81 is determined by clamping bolts 88 which are mounted in collars 89 to the upper housing portion 36. A position index is preferably employed by providing an index scale 98 on the sides of the housing opposite each lower track 86 and by providing a pointer 9| on the movable plate 85 of each tensioning device 84. A suitable longitudinal slot 92 is, of course, provided inside of upper housing portion 36 to permit unrestricted movement of the` sprocket axle 62 when the plate 85 is raised or lowered in the tracks 86 and 81 Y As may be seen best in Figure 4 of the drawings, the caterpillar brush 34 is preferably made up of a plurality of individual brush units 93 which are detachably and individually secured to the articulated 'chains 6I). Each brush unit 93 includes in general a brush head 94 and a brush proper or fibre portion 95, which is made up of a multitude of individual brush bres composed of any suitable material, such for example, as bamboo libres.

The novel features and specic characteristics of this caterpillar brush and mounting including the floating mounting and the Lchain tensioning device together with other featuresof the caterpillar brush assembly are described in detail in my copending applications, Serial No. 207,446, filed May 12, 1938, and Serial No. 216,740, filed June 30, 1938, and assigned to the same assignee as theA present invention.

During the sweeping operation, the caterpillar brush 34 is driven in a counterclockwise direction from the upper sprocket axle 62. Individual brush units 93 as they pass over the surface being swept cause the dirt and debris to be thrown forwardly and upwardly. In order to convey the dirt and debris upwardly to a point where it may. be deposited in the hopper I3, an inclined plane into which the dirt and debris may be thrown by the brush The upper portion 9B of the inclined plane, however, is preferably in direct contact with the lower ends of the brush fibres 95.

Extending downwardly from the lower edge of the inclined plane 96 and forming substantially a continuation thereof is a drag plate 99. For a reason which will presently appear, drag plate 99 is mounted for limited longitudinal movement in a plane parallel to the lower end portion 91 of the inclined plane 96. The particular mounting for the drag plate 99 includes a carriage |09 having a pair of cross arms IIlI and a pair of end bars |92. Rotatably mounted on each end bar |92 is a pair of flanged wheels |93. Housing 31 is suitably slotted at |94 for the reception of wheels |93, the major axis of the slots |94 being parallel to portion 91 of inclined plane 96. Welded or otherwise suitably secured to the side walls of housing 31 within slots |94 are a set of tracks |95 in which the wheels ID3 are arranged to ride. Two drag plate mounting arms |06 are secured to the underside of the drag plate 99 in any convenient manner, such as by riveting or the like, and these mounting arms are pivotally mounted to the carriage as at |91. A stop arm |98, which is arranged to engage the lower cross bar IUI, is provided to prevent angular movement of the drag plate 99 below the plane of the portion 91 of the inclined plane 96. 'Ihat is to say, when the carriage |99 is in its lowermost position, the drag plate 99 may be moved angularly upwardly, but cannot move angularly downwardly.

Now it has been found that in sweeping with a caterpillar brush, two separate and distinct problems must be overcome in order to have a satisfactory and efficient sweeping apparatus. More particularly it has been found that in order to sweep and gather finely divided debris, the drag plate 99 must be disposed relatively close to the surface being swept. When this is not done, there is hardly any eifective pick-up by the caterpillar brush of the sweeping apparatus, for the reason that the dirt is swept forwardly underneath the drag plate. By way of example, it has been found that when the drag plate was disposed with its lower edge approximately two inches above the surface being swept, there was little or no pick-up ability left in the sweeping apparatus; but when the drag plate was disposed with its lower edge approximately 9A; of an inch above the surface being swept, the apparatus was very efficient in sweeping dirt.

If a drag plate is fixed in this position, however, it has been found that the sweeping apparatus would not operate effectively to sweep up leaves and other debris of that character for the reason that the leaves would not pass under the lower edge of the drag plate, but would cause them to be pushed forwardly in front of it. Some means is necessary, therefore, to permit the leaves to pass to the caterpillar brush. To accomplish this end, the drag plate 99 is periodically oscillated (that is, raised and lowered) to permit the leaves and other ,similar debris to pass thereunder to the caterpillar brush 34. In order to maintain effective and eflicient sweeping of dirt and other finely divided debris, it has been found preferable to provide a mechanism which will maintain the drag plate 99 in its lowermost position for a predetermined distance and to then effect a quick lifting and lowering of the drag plate 99.

The means for periodically raising and lowering the drag plate 99 includes a cam |99 of the wiper or involute type which is centrally secured to a cam axle II9 and that is journalled in suitable bearings (not shown) secured to one side wall of the housing 31 and to a centrally disposed mounting bracket III which is riveted or otherwise suitably secured to the lower wall of hopper I3. Secured to the outer end of the cam axle II9 is a sprocket wheel I|2 which is driven by an articulated chain I I3 in a manner presently to be described. At this time it is sucient to state that the cam |09 is preferably arranged to make one revolution for approximately twelve to thirteen feet of travel by the sweeping apparatus.

The cam |99 is positioned to engage a roller bar or cam follower II4 which is carried at the lower end of an L-shaped roller bar support arm II5. Roller bar support arm II 5 is separately secured to the carrier |99, as may be seen best in Figure 4 of the drawings. From a careful consideration of the drawings, it will be understood that the cam |99 will cause an upward movement of the carrier |09 along its tracks |95 during a small fraction of each revolution of the cam axle II Il. This upward movement of the carrier IIlIl causes the drag plate 99 to be periodically raised in a plane parallel to the lower portion 91 of the inclined plane 96.

In order that the drag plate 99 will not be damaged or injured when it strikes large boulders or stones, the drag plate 99 is pivotally mounted on the carrier |90, as previously described, so as to be movable about a transverse axis defined by the pivot point III1` The above described novel method and means for picking up debris of various classes such as dirt, leaves, twigs, etc., is described and claimed in my copendng applications Serial No. 207,443, filed May 12, 1938, and Serial No 207,445, led May 12, 1938, each of which are assigned to the same assignee as the present invention.

To supplement the action of the caterpillar brush 34, twin side brooms I2 are provided. Brooms I2 are of the so-called digger type, and are arranged for rotation in a plane at a slight angle to the horizontal, as may be seen best in Figure 3 of the drawings. The broom I2 which is located on the right side of the machine is, of course, arranged for rotation in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2 of the drawing, while the broom I2 on the left side of the sweeping apparatus is arranged for rotation in a counterclockwise direction. The broom on the curb side digs the dirt from the gutter during the sweeping operation and throws it under the caterpillar brush, while the broom on the other side assures a neat feather edge to the path swept. It will thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that the two side brooms I2 clean a wide sweeping path in combination with the main caterpillar brush 34, yet at the same time keep the overall width of the machine narrow to accommodate modern traffic conditions.

More specifically, each broom I2 comprises a brush head IIB in which a multitude of brush fibres I|1 are mounted. The brush fibres I1 may be made up of any suitable material but preferably are made up of steel wire.

'I'he manner in which the side brooms I2 are assembled and mounted on the sweeping apparatus will' now be described. The side broom assembly as a whole is suspended from the side broom driver gear housing |I8 which is supported by the farms II 9 from the chassis I4 of the vehicle. Secured to the under side of the drive gear housing ||8 is a ball housing and cap assembly |20 including a two part upper housing |2| and |22 and a lower ball housing |23. Secured to or forming a part of the lower ball housing |23 is a cylindrical housing member |24. Depending from the under side o-f housing |24 and secured to the top of the broom head IIB is a collapsible and expansible shaft protector sheath |25 which is preferably in the form of a bellows. Enclosed Within the ball housing and cap assembly |20, the tubular housing member |24 and the expansible and collapsible shaft protector sheath I 25 is a. drive shaft (not sho-wn) which transmits rotary motion from the drive gear assembly within drive gear housing II8 to the broom head I I6. The necessary bearing support, lubricating and packing means, and clutch mechanism are included within the above housing elementsg'but have not been specifically illustrated since they form no part o-f the present invention.

In connection with the side broom mounting, it should be understood that the side broom drive shaft and associated elements are arranged so that the side brooms may be lifted directly upwardly or may be rocked rearwardly and upwardly if they engage a large object which cannot be swept as will hereinafter be described.

In Figure 1 of the drawings, one form of means is shown for" lifting the side broom I2 directly upwardly'off of the surface being swep-t. This'means includes in general a lift yoke |20 which isA pivotally connected to the broom head at- |21. Extending rearwardly from the yoke |26 is a lift yoke supporting arm |28 which freely rides in a lift yoke slide |29. 'I'he lift yoke slide |29 is supported in a universal mounting or ball and socket assembly |30 which in turn is supported from a yoke anchor bracket I3| secured to one of the main longitudinal members of the chassis I4. Extending between the lift yoke slide |29 and the lift yoke |26 is a helical compression spring |32 which nsurrounds the lift yoke supporting arm |28. This lift yoke spring |32 normally biases the broom I2 to .the position shown in Figure 1 ofthe drawings. If the broom I2 hits so-me heavyv object, such as a boulder or the like, during the forward motion o-f the sweeping apparatus, the lift broom assembly is pivoted rearwardly and upwardly from its universal mounting within the ball housing and cap assembly |29 against the action of the compression spring |32, As soon as the object has been passed over, the compression spring |32 returns the broom I2 to its normal position.v A side broom stop bracket |33 having adjustable stopngers |34 in the form of bolts, limits the outward movement of the broom assembly. Additional biasing springs (not shown) may, of course, be provided if desired.

' The side broom I2 may be lifted directly upwardly off of the street by means of a control a spring |39 is disposed which in turn is held in place by a nut |40 screwed on to the threaded end |38 of the control lift rod |35. The crank arm |31 is moved through a suitable link mechavnism I4| by the control lever |42. Control lever |42 is pivotally mounted to the chassis I4 as at |43, and is associated with a control lever latch vplate (not shown) in the usual mann-er, a control lever latch I45 being provided to hold the control lever in one of several predetermined desired positions.

As will readily be understood by those skilled in the art, when the co-ntrol lever |42 is in the position shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the broom I2 is in its lowermost position, and when the control lever |42 has been pulled back by the operator, or to a position to the left of that shown in Figure 1, the broom I2 will be lifted substantially vertically oif of the street by the control-lift rod |35.

Since allsweepin'g apparatus tends to raise a slight cloud of dust, the sweeping apparatus hereinbefore described is preferably provided with means for laying down a dust penetrating spray of water which includes a water storage tank |46 and a plurality of nozzles |41 carri-ed on a water distributing rod I 48 which is supplied withwater from the storage tank |46 by a suitable supply pipe |49. A large hose |50 isconnected to the water supply tank |46 is carried along the side of the-sweeping apparatus in any convenient place, such as that shown in Figure 1, so that it may readily be coupled to the usual Water hydrant (not shown) to ll the water tank |43 when desired. A water gauge I5| having valves |52 andA |53 at the top and bottom respectively of the gauge yis mounted on one side of the. sweeping apparatus within full view of the operator of the machine to provide a visual indication of the water level in the water supply tank |46.' f

As will readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is essential in a spraying system for street sweeping :apparatus that sufficient pressure be maintained on the spray line at all times to give ample Volume and forceful penetration yof water into the sweepings, vunder all conditions-of light or heavy sweeping, whether the machine is in motion or stationary. To this end, 'the water supply tank |43 ismaintained underv pressure by compressed air supplied to the water supply tank |45 through the compressed air line |54. The pressure in the compressed air line |54 is maintained by a suitable air-compressor |55 (see Figures 2 and 4) which is driven directly from ,the main transmission unit of the machine,- presently to be described.

One of the important and novel features o-f the present invention` is the novel means for supplying power to all parts of the sweeping apparatus from a single prime mover through a single multifunction vtransmission unit. The novel transmission unit itself will first be described and then the manner in Awhich power is transmitted from the, transmission unit tothe various moving elements ofv the apparatus will be described.

InFigure 5 of the drawings, a schematic illustrationof the transmission unit has been shown. Power from the motor I5 (Figure 1) is transmitted to the transmission unit through a drive shaft |56. `Secured to the end of the drive shaft |56 isa pinion `gear |51 which is arranged to mesh with and drive a ring gear |58, which is secured to the main shaft |59 of the transmission unit; VSecured to main shaft |59 is a main shaft reverse gear |66, a main shaft rst speed gear |6| va main shaft second speed gear |62, and a main shaft third speed gear |63. Gears |60, |6'|, |62 and |63 are secured in such a manner as to prevent relative rotation between the gears and the main shaft |59, such as by means of suitable slot and key connection (not shown). Rotatably mounted on a countershaft |64 is a countershat reverse gear |65, a countershaft first speed gear |66, a countershaft second speed gear |61, and a countershaft third speed gear |68. Gears |66, |61 and |60 are constantly meshed with gears IBI, |62 and |63 respectively. Reverse gear |65 is constantly meshed with a reverse idler gear |69 which is rotatably mounted on a reverse gear idler shaft |10. The reverse idler gear |69 is also constantly in mesh with reverse gear |66 on main shaft |59.

Slidably mounted on countershaft |64 are four clutches ITI, |12, |13, and |14 which are arranged to be selectively interlocked with cooperating clutch plates |15 secured to each of gears |65, |66, |61 and |68. While the clutches |1|, |12, |13 and |14 are slidably mounted on counter shaft I 64, it is to be understood that they are arranged and mounted on the countershaft |64 in such a manner that no relative rotation can occur between the clutches and the countershaft |64. This may be arranged in any suitable manner, such as by a slot and key connection .i

(not shown in detail) or in any other manner well known to those skilled in the art.

From the above description it will readily be understood that when one of the clutches |1| to |14 inclusive is moved into locking engagement with one of the cooperating clutch plates |15, that the countershaft |64 is rotated by the gear which has been locked to the shaft and at a speed depending upon the gear ratio of that gear and its complementary gear on the main shaft |59.

Secured to countershaft |64 and arranged to constantly rotate therewith is a drive gear |16. This drive gear |16 is meshed with a driven gear |11 of a differential gear box |18. The detailed construction of the differential |18 and the particular gear arrangement therein has not been illustrated, since it forms no part of the present invention. but it is to be understood that this differential |18 is of a conventional design, well known to those skilled in the art, power being transmitted through the differential |18 from the driven gear |11 to a pair of contiguous shafts |19.

The transmission unit illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings also includes a second countershaft |86 upon which is rotatably mounted two countershaft gears |6| and |82, which are constantly in mesh. with main shaft first speed gear I 6| and main shaft second speed gear |62 respectively. selectively operated clutches |83 and |64 are slidably mounted on countershaft |89. but arrangedso that no relative rotation occurs between the clutches |83 and |84 and the countershaft |86. These clutches |83 and |84 are arranged to interlock with cooperating clutch plates |85 secured to each of the gears |8| and |02. It will thus be understood that when clutch |03 is interlocked with the cooperating clutch plate |85 on gear I8I, that the countershaft |80 is interlocked with gear |8| and hence rotated by the gear 8| at a speed dependent upon the gear ratio between the main shaft gear |6| and the countershaft gear |0I. Similarly, when clutch |94 is interlocked with gear |82, the countershaft |80 is rotated at a speed dependent upon the gear ratio between main shaft gear |62 and countershaft gear |82.

From the description given above it will readily be apparent that, by means of a single drive shaft from a single prime mover two different power take offs at different speeds may be obtained through the provision of only a single main shaft but of two countershafts. As will presently be explained in detail, the countershaft |64 is arranged to drive the vehicle I0 at any one of three forward speeds or in reverse and the countershaft is arranged to drive all of the sweeping apparatus, including the main caterpillar brush and the rotary side broom. It .will at once be apparent that the movable sweeping elements may be driven at a speed entirely independent of the speed or direction of motion of the vehicle upon which the sweeping apparatus is mounted. As will at once be apparent to those skilled in the art, this is an extremely important and advantageous feature, particularly in View of the fact that this independent operation of the movable sweeping elements is obtainable through a single transmission unit.

In Figures 6 and 'l of the drawings, I have illustrated the essential details of the transmission unit which has been schematically illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings. Referring to Figures 6 and '7, the drive shaft |56 extends through the end wall |86 of a transmission housing member |81, the shaft |56 being journalled in a suitable anti-friction bearing member |88 in the usual manner. The countershaft |64 which carries countershaft reverse gear |65 and countershaft forward gears |66, |61 and |68 ,is mounted in anti-friction bearing members |68' and |89 carried in reinforced portions |90 and |9| of transmission housing |81. The main shaft |59 is journalled in suitable anti-friction bearing devices (not shown) similar to the bearing members |68' and |89 supported in the side walls of the housing |81. The idler shaft |10 which carries reverse idling gear |69 is supported in any suitable manner (not shown) to one of the side walls of the housing |81. Clutches |1| and |12 are mounted as a pair between countershaft gears |65 and |66. Clutches |1| and |12 are centrally apertured and slotted as at |92 for mounting on the countershaft |64 over the keys |93. the keys |93 preferably being formed integral with shaft |64. A gear shifting yoke |94 extends in spaced relationship over the shaft |64 and into engagement with the clutches |1| and 12. The yoke |94 is carried on a supporting rod |95 which is arranged to be moved transversely of the apparatus by a gear shift lever |96. The gear shift lever |96 is supported in a universal mounting |91 having a cover plate thereon. the usual H plate (not shown) being employed over the top of the universal mounting |91 to confine the movement of the gear shift lever |96 in the conventional manner. It is to be understood, however, that the top and bottom of the H extend transversely of the machine rather than lengthwise of themachine, as is the usual 'practice on passenger vehicles of the present day. The lower end |99 of the gear shift lever |96, is ,arranged to engage a yoke member 200 secured to the supporting shaft |95 when the gear shift lever |96 is being moved along one leg of the H. The support shaft |95 is preferably notched at three places, 20|, 202, and 203, to define first speed position, neutral, and reverse position. A spring-pressed ball 204 under the action of a compression spring 205 is arranged to' vengage the notches 20|, 202, and 203.

Clutches |13 and |14 are mounted in a similar manner on countershaft |64 between gears |61 and |38. The clutches |13 and |14 are arranged for axial movement under control of a yoke 206 carried on a second yoke support shaft 201, The yoke support shaft 201 has mounted thereon a gear shift lever engaging yoke (not shown) which is similar to yoke 200 on support shaft |95. The yoke support shaft 201 is mounted in a similar manner to yoke support shaft |95 and is arranged to be engaged and moved by the gear shift lever |90 when the gear shift lever is moved along the other side of the H from that which eifects movement of the shaft |95.

The auxiliary o-r lower countershaft |80 is supported in anti-friction bearing members 201 and 208 carried in bearing support bosses 209 and 2|0 respectively, formed as part of the side walls of the housing 81. The clutches |83 and |34 which are arranged to selectively lock the countershaft gear wheels |8| and |82 to the countershaft |88, are mounted together on a keyed portion 2| l of the shaft |80. The clutches |33 and |84 are secured to a yoke 2|2 which is rigidly .secured to a sho-rt shaft 2|3 carried in the end wall |86 of the housing |81. Secured to the opposite end of the shaft 2|3 is a crank arm 2|4 which is in turn connected thro-ugh an intermediate link arm 2|4 to an upper crank arm 2|5 which is rigidly secured to a gear shift lever ZIB and is pivotally mounted on housing |81 as at 2 l1. Gear shift lever 2 6 is a three position gear shift, or in other words is arranged to have a neutral position and a high and low speed position. As viewed in Figure 6 of the drawings, the gear shift lever 2 6 shown therein is in its neutral position. When the gear shift lever 2|6 is moved to the left in Figure, the crank arm 2|5 is moved in a counterclockwse direction which causes a corresponding counterclockwise movement of the lower crank arm 2|4 to throw the clutch |88 into locking engagement with the cooperating clutch locking plate |65 of theV gear |8l. When the gear shift lever 2|6 is moved to the right, as viewed in Figure 6, the crank arm 215 is moved in a clockwise direction, thusl causingl a similar clockwise movement of the crank arm 2|4 to move the clutch |84 into locking engagement with the cooperating clutch plate |85 of gear |82. The crank arms 2|4 and 2|5 provide the necessary offset for the intermediate link arm 2|4 in order to permit it to extend past the main drive shaft |56` from the engine |5.

The driven shafts |19, which extend from the differential |18, are supported in suitable antifriction bearing members 2|8 and 2|9 carried within bosses 220 and 22H respectively.

From the above description of my novel transmission, it will be apparent that the transmission is, in general, of the vso-called selective clutch type inasmuch as the necessary gear changes are carried out by shifting heavy duty clutches rather than by shifting the vgears themselves. This permits the gears to constantly remain in mesh and substantially eliminates any possibility of stripping the gear teeth. Whenever the drive shaft |56 rotates, all of the gears in the transmission unit rotate, but it is only possible for one gear at a time to be connected to any one countershaft to cause rotation of the latter, although it is specifically designed to have both countershafts selectively rotated at different speeds at the same time, or have one countershaft rotated while the other remains idle.V

In the upper right hand section of Figure 6, a power take-01T for the compressor unit |55 is shown. Morespecically, a gear 222 mounted on a Sho-rt stud shaft 223 carried on the side wall of the housing |81 is arranged to constantly be in mesh with the countershaft reverse gear |65.

A second compressor shaft power take-off gear 224 is rotatably mounted on the rcompressor drive shaft 225 and is maintained constantly in mesh with the intermediate gear 222. slidably mounted on the vcompressor drive shaft 225, but arranged thereon in such a manner that no relative rotation can occur therebetween, is arranged to be locked tothe gear 224 inthe same manner as the other clutch elements of the transmission unit yare arranged, a gear shift lever 221 being provided to throw'the-clutch into and out of locking engagement with the gear 224.

The manner in which the transmission unit is connected to the various parts of the sweeping apparatus and drive wheels of the vehicle will now be described. Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 5, the driven shaft |19 from the differential |16 extends outwardly to opposite sides of the vehicle I0 and terminates in bevel gear boxes 228. Extending rat, right angles from the beveled gear boxes 228 are drive shafts (not shown) enclosed within tubular housing members 229. Although the details of the beveled gear boxes 228 have not been sho-wn in the drawings, it is to be understood that a beveled gear is secured to the driven shaft |19 and is meshed with a beveled gear secured to the drive shafts which are carried Within the tubular housing 229.

A-t the opposite ends of the tubular housings 229 are a second set of beveled gear boxes 230, each containing a pair of beveled gears (not shown) one of whichv is secured to the end of the drive shaft within the tubular housing member 229 and the other of which, is mounted on a short 4stud .shaft 23|. `Mounted exteriorlyof the beveled gear box 230 on shaft 23| is a sprocket wheel 232. A chain drive extends from the. sprocket Wheels 232 to the front driving wheel I6 of thevehicle I8 which includes a drive chain 233, the upper sprocket wheel 232 and alower sprocket wheel (the details of which are not shown in the drawings) Ysecured to the wheelsl.

Thus from the above description, it will be apparent that the vehicle l0 is provided With three forward speeds and one reverse speed from the motor I5 through-the drive shaft |56, main shaft |59, the countershaft |64, the driven shaft |19, the pair o-f drive shafts disposed within the tubular housing 220 -on opposite sides of the vehicle, the stud shafts 23| and the chain drive 233 to `the front driving wheels VI6 of the vehicle l0.

Power to the movable sweeping elements of the sweeping apparatus is taken from countershaft which extends from the transmission unit to opposite sides of the vehicle. At the outer ends of the countershaft |80 are beveled gear boxes 234 which are similar tothe beveled gear boxes 228. Extending at right angles from the bevel gear boxes 234 andv extending forwardly therefrom along the side of the vehicle is a second set of drive shafts (not shown) which are enclosed within'housing 235. It is to be understood that the drive shafts disposed within the housings 235 are vcoupled to the countershaft |80 through a pair of bevel gears in each of the bevel gear boXes A clutch 226, y

234. At the opposite ends of the drive shafts within the tubular housings 235 is a second set of bevel gear boxes H8, reference to which has already been made in the description of the side broom assembly. The specific details of the gear assembly within bevel gear boxes ||8 forms no part of the present invention, and for that reason has not been illustrated in detail. It is to be understood however that in addition to the drive from the drive shaft to the side broom, there is also a drive to a stud shaft 236 which extends out of the gear housing ||8 towards the main body of the vehicle I0. Mounted on the stud shaft 236 exterior of the housing H8 are two sprocket wheels 231 and 238. The sprocket wheel 231 carries a chain drive 239 which is coupled to a sprocket wheel 240 mounted on the upper caterpillar brush axle 62. The sprocket wheel 238 carries a chain drive ||3 which is coupled to the sprocket wheel I|2 which drives the cam |09 of the drag plate mechanism.

From the above description, it will be apparent that the drive shafts which are located within housings 235 directly drive the side broom I2 and in addition drive the main caterpillar brush 34 and the cam |59 of the drag plate mechanism. As has been previously pointed out, clutch means is provided within the housing of the side broom assembly for disengaging the driving connection from the drive shafts within housing 235 when desired. This permits continual operation of the caterpillar brush 34 and the drag plate mechanism without necessitating simultaneous' operation of the side brooms l2. Since the side brooms I2 are preferably lifted off of the street surface when not in use, the clutch mechanism for each side broom may be conveniently connected to the crank arm |31 through a connecting arm 24| (see Fig. 2). The connecting arm 24| for each side broom is so arranged that when the control lever |42 is pulled rearwardly towards the drivers seat, the clutch in the driving connection of each side broom is simultaneously disengaged at the same time that the side broom is lifted off of the street surface by the lift arm |35.

The dual wheel mount for the rear wheels |8 is shown in Figure 8. More particularly, the dual wheel mount comprises a spindle or king pin 242 which is journalled in a tapered housing 243 by suitable anti-friction bearing members 244 and 245. The lower end of the king pin 242 is swaged or otherwise provided with an enlarged end 246 at its lower end. Seated upon the swaged lower end 246 is an axle block 241 which is keyed to the king pin 242 as at 248. Extending outwardly from the axle block 241 are two short axles 249 and 250. The axles 249 and 25D preferably diverge slightly downwardly, as is clearly shown in Figure 8 of the drawings in order that the planes of the rear wheels |8 will not be vertical but will converge in the manner as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings. l

The upper end of the tapered housing 243 is provided with an end plate 25| having an annular flange 252 thereon which extends into direct engagement with the upper anti-friction bearing member 245.

The upper end of the king pin or spindle 242 is threaded as at 253 for the reception of a lock nut 254 which prevents the king pin 242 from dropping out the bottom of the assembly. The lower connecting arm 20 of the steering mechanism is directly connected to the top of the king pin 242 in any suitable manner which will prevent any relative rotation between the king pin 242 and the link arm 20.

As will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, the manner of operating the above described street sweeper is extremely simple. The prime mover or engine I5 which is preferably an internal combustion engine, is started and the vehicle I0 placed in motion by shifting the gear shift lever |96 into its first speed or low speed position. After the vehicle IU has been placed into motion, the gear shift lever is successively thrown into its second speed position and then into its third or high-speed position, it being understood, however, that the third or high speed position is a relative term, for the sweeper is preferably not driven more than ten to fifteen miles per hour.

After the vehicle I0 has been placed in motion and the vehicle has arrived at the street or area to be swept, the control lever 19 is moved to its forward position, thereby lowering the caterpillar brush 34 and the lower caterpillar brush housing 31. The control lever |42 is also thrown to its forward position, thereby lowering the side brooms l2 and simultaneously causing the driverating positions, which position is selected will,

of course, depend upon the nature of the debris which is to be swept. If the debris is principally dust, one speed is desirable, while if the debris is in the form of leaves, twigs, small branches and the like, a different speed will be selected.

If desired, the spraying equipment may be turned on to wet down the dust, this being provided by high pressure sprays from the nozzles or outlets |41 in the spraying pipe |48,

Due to the fact that the lower ends of the caterpillar brush assembly 34 is freely floating on the surface which is being swept, the lower ends of the brush fibres are constantly in engage ment with this surface. By properly adjusting the counterbalance weight 63, substantially all of the weight of the caterpillar brush assembly 34 is removed from the fibres 95 themselves. The individual brush units 93 sweep the dirt and other finely divided debris upwardly and forwardly against the drag plate 99 where it is carried by the brush 34 upwardly along the inclined plane 96 until it passes over the open mouth of the hopper |3.

Leaves and other debris of this character are pushed forwardly in front of the drag plate 99 by the drag plate itself until the drag plate is raised by the cam |09. At this time leaves and other debris of this character pass under the lower edge of the drag plate 99 where they are thereafter swept forwardly and upwardly by the brush units 93 onto the inclined plane 96.

As the rotation of the cam |39 is continued, thc drag plate 99 is returned to its lowermost position where it is again effective to catch and collect the dirt swept forwardly and upwardly by the individual brush units 93. During the interval that the drag plate is being moved upwardly and returned, the dirt and finely divided debris on the surface being swept is merely thrown forwardly ahead of the brushes until such a time as the drag plate is in its lowermost position, when the dirt and other finely divided debris is again caught and collected by the drag plate and caused to pass upwardly along the inclined plane 9B into the hopper |3.

At the time the caterpillar brush 34 and the lower caterpillar brush housing 31 were lowered by the control lever 19, the dirt shoes E2 were also lowered until they freely floated on the street or surface being swept. In this position, the dirt shoes i2 slide along the surface being swept and prevent dirt and other debris from slipping out either side of the sweeping apparatus. These dirt shoes d2 thus prevent any impairment of efficient sweeping action by the apparatus.

After the storagefhopper I3 has become filled, the dirt and debris collected. therein may be dumped by throwing the dump lever 3l upwardly and forwardly, thus causing the lower end wall 2G of the hopper E3 to open about its pivot 28. After the hopper i3 has been dumped, the end wall 25 is returned to its closed position by pulling the dump lever 3l backwardly and downwardly until it has passed its overcenter position.

If it is desired to operate the sweeping apparatus without the use of the side brooms I 2, the side broom control lever M2 is pulled to its rearwardmost position, thus raising the side brooms I2 off of the street and simultaneously disengaging the side broom clutch within the housing |20.

From the above description, it will be apparent that I have illustrated means which is extremely effective in sweeping streets and the like. The novel dual transmission mechanism eliminates the necessity for two separate transmissions and at the same -time provides a very flexible system for transmitting power, since the speed of the caterpillar brush and other sweeping apparatus and associated mechanism is entirely independent of the speed of the vehicle. The distribution of power from the dual ytransmission unit provides an extremely compact assembly of elements and permits maximum sweeping efficiency with a minimum size sweeping apparatus. The particular location of the various sweeping elements and associated mechanisms provides van evenly distributed load on the vehicle chassis. The particular location of the caterpillar brush with respect to the rest of the equipment permits the location of the drivers cab at a place where all areas both to the front and -to the rear of the sweeping apparatus may be seen at a glance.

While I have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will, of course, be understood that I do not wish to be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made, and I therefore contemplate by the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A street sweeper comprising a vehicle chassis supported on front and rear wheels, a motor,`

mounted at the rear of said chassis and having a motor drive shaft extending forwardly therefrom, a dual drive transmission connected to said motor drive shaft and having separate sweeping equipment and vehicle drive shafts extending transversely of said chassis and having a gear reduction driving connection with said motor drive shaft, a caterpillar brush centrally mounted on said chassis, a debris storage hopper mounted at the forward end of said vehicle and arranged to have debris deposited therein by said caterpillar brush, a driving connection extending longitudinally along the outer side of said brush from said transmission sweeping equipment drive shafts to said caterpillar brush, and a driving connection extending longitudinally along the outer side of said brush from said transmission vehicle drive shafts to said front wheels.

2. A street sweeper comprising a vehicle chassis supported on front and rear wheels, a motor at the rear of lsaid chassis and having a motor drive shaft extending forwardly therefrom, va dual drive transmission 4connected to said motor drive shaft and having separate sweeping equipment and vehicle drive shafts extending therefrom transversely of said Ichassis and having a selective gear reduction driving connection with said motor drive shaft, a caterpillar brush centrally mounted on said chassis, a debris storage hopper mounted at the forward end of said vehicle and arranged to have debris deposited therein by said caterpillar brush, a pair of intermediate sweeping equipment drive shafts geared to said transmission sweeping equipment drive shaft and extending forwardly along opposite sides of said chassis, a pair of intermediate vehicle drive shafts secured to said transmission vehicle .drive shafts and extending forwardly along opposite sides of said chassis, drives from said intermediate sweeping equipment shafts to said caterpillar brush, and drives from said intermediate vehicle drive shafts to said front Wheels.

RONALD CLEMENT EVANS. 

